Kukla's Korner Hockey

That means a major player or two has to be moved off Philadelphia’s roster for prospects or draft picks, and it will become more challenging to keep Ville Leino, who is an unrestricted free agent.

As of this morning, the Flyers seem to have more money committed to players for next season (almost $59 million) than any other NHL team. They have 18 players signed, and notable unsigned players include Leino and Sean O’Donnell. The salary cap is expected to go up $3 million or $4 million next season.

We can assume that Bryzgalov will require a salary cap hit north of $5 million, which would mean players will have to go. With the emergence of James Van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux’s continued improvement, a case can be made that trading wing-center Jeff Carter is the most logical solution. But his 11-year contract will scare most teams.